Museum's future vision

THE National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port has launched a far reaching development plan, setting out a vision for the future of the museum.

A spokesman for the museum told us that the vision was unveiled at a launch attended by representatives from Cheshire West and Chester Council, Visit Chester and Cheshire, West Cheshire College, representatives from the private sector, including the Peel Group and some of the many volunteers who support the National Waterways Museum.

Ambitious plans

At the event, which also celebrated the Museum becoming Britain's only National Waterways Museum, visitors were told about the ambitious plans the Museum has for the next decade and its potential role in the regeneration of Ellesmere Port town and the Waterfront.

They also heard more about the huge and growing contribution volunteers are making to the museum and the range of new events and activities which their involvement has enabled.

Roger Hanbury Chief Executive of The Waterways Trust (pictured at the event) which operates the Museum related:

"This plan is a milestone in the history of the National Waterways Museum. Since its beginnings in the 1970s the National Waterways Museum has known good times and bad times, this plan builds on the recent turnaround in the Museum's fortunes and sets out a clear vision for its future, recognising its role as a strategic asset for Ellesmere Port."

We are told 'this sets further milestones for the coming 10 years, including recognition as the leading waterways museum in the UK, a high quality centre for people wishing to study the inland waterway network, a focus for young people to experience canals and a well loved place for local resident to visit and relax'.